The Bowie Middle School Parent Center is the heart of campus and is operated by 15 volunteers who dedicate their time to serving the students, families and staff at Bowie. Led by parent liaison Mayra Orozco, these ladies have a true passion for serving, with more than 50 years combined volunteer experience amongst them. 

The Parent Center provides many resources for families including food and other necessities for home – serving as the bridge between homelife and the school. They also oversee two parent engagement initiatives – All Pro Dads and Wonder Moms, which are opportunities for parents and guardians to connect with their students and strengthen relationships. Both groups meet monthly before school starts to fellowship and learn new parenting skills. Additionally, the Parent Center also hosts free, educational events throughout the year for families. Topics include health and wellness and finances. 

“I couldn’t do any of this without our amazing volunteers. They are the ones who coordinate all of our events and make everything possible. Our volunteers do everything from setting up and decorating events to supporting teachers and campus staff with day-to-day tasks like making copies or helping to decorate their classrooms and/or hallways,” says Orozco. 

Most recently, the Wonder Moms group created hygiene bags for those on campus in need of necessities. The parent volunteers coordinated the event and provided breakfast and supplies for moms and their students. This is one of the many examples of the heart work they do each day on campus and in the community. 

Several of the volunteers, like Gladys Alcancara, Gloria Campos and Bonnie Jones, have a long history of volunteering in Irving ISD and have worked alongside their children and grandchildren throughout their educational journey. 

“I love being a volunteer,” says Jones. “I first started when my grandson was at Townley, so when he started at Bowie I transferred here. That’s when I met Mayra and all of these other wonderful ladies. I really enjoy volunteering alongside them. It’s also nice being able to volunteer at the campus my grandson attends.”

Another volunteer, Claudia Torres, doesn’t have a student in Irving ISD, but has a passion and heart for volunteering and helping others. She began her journey at Townley as well and transitioned to Bowie after being recommended.

Orozco’s experience working alongside the Bowie volunteers has been life-changing. She was so inspired by the work they do, she decided to go back to college to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work. 

“I really do love working with these ladies. They are so dedicated to supporting everyone here and in the community,” Orozco adds. “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart.” 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at your student’s campus, contact your assigned Parent Liaison to learn how to sign up.